“I’ve read it so many times that my copy has fallen apart,” said a girl, Sami, who was a little over eighteen. She was in a motorized wheelchair. “And reading an e-book doesn’t have the same allure of holding a real book.”
“I agree,” Bella laughed. “My husband teases me that we’re going to have to buy a second house for my book collection!”
“Well, I think books are important, especially this one,” Sami said. “After my car accident, I was in a dark place. My mom was given this book and after she read it, she gave it to me. I know that I’ll never walk again and my hands are …” She held up gnarled claws that were scarred with burns. “But, reading your book helped me realize that I shouldn’t just give up.”
“I’m glad that I was able to help you. It’s why I published my diary,” Bella said, reaching over and taking Sami’s hands. “You are strong, beautiful and amazing. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.” She reached behind her chair and handed the girl another book. “My second book, it’s a work of fiction, a romance, but I think you’ll like it … a gift for you.”
“Thank you, so much,” Sami cried. Bella got up and hugged the girl. Sami’s mother took a picture of the two of them and Bella asked if she could post the photo to her Instagram. Sami nodded excitedly, giving Bella her Instagram handle to tag her. She sat back down, posting the photo and waving at Sami.
Bella sat back, rubbing her neck. There was a brief pause at the book signing and she got up, looking at the books near her table. She picked up a romance novel that she’d edited, reading the blurb on the
back.
“It’s an addiction, Mrs. Cullen,” Edward quipped, holding a cup of coffee and a little girl. He kissed the girl. “Go say hi to Mommy.”
“This is a pleasant surprise,” Bella beamed, crouching down to hug her three-year-old daughter, Gianna. “How are you peanut?”
“I wanted to see you, Mommy,” Gianna said, playing with Bella’s hair. “Daddy said we could.”
“Diane let me in,” Edward laughed. “I bribed her with coffee.”
“Of course she would," Bella deadpanned, taking the cup of proffered coffee from her handsome husband. "Where’s Seth?”
“He’s flirting with some girls at Starbucks,” Edward groaned. “Gianna wanted to see her mommy.” He bent down, kissing Bella’s lips. “And I wanted to see my wife.”
“Your wife is glad you’re here. I’m almost done,” she smiled, holding Gianna in her lap. “I never expected a new cover of my diary, A Single Step, would mean a book signing tour and all this publicity.”
“Bella, your diary was … it gave a lot of people with disabilities hope. Your words are powerful and poignant. Not everyone is as lucky as you, or has the support system you have,” Edward said, his fingers trailing down his daughter’s curls. “You’ve given those people another outlet of support. The social media, interactive blog and access to medical and psychological professionals? You’ve changed a lot of lives.”
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